A Coping Strategy, or Compensatory Strategy, is defined as something that we do to work around a problem. After a brain injury, the use of coping strategies to work around the effects of injury can mean the difference between success and failure...a calm life and near insanity.

Coping Strategies for survivors of brain injury can be either positive or negative. Many times we will pick a strategy that makes us feel better right away, but actually hurts us in the long run.

After my brain injury, I wish I had someone who really understood what was happening to me, except my daughter. Well, no one got the chance because I really isolated myself. NEVER a good strategy. Don't do it. Socialize with family and friends. You will learn who to avoid if they are not supportive.

Some people develop negative habits for coping. For example, smoking when stressed makes one feel calmer immediately, but certainly does not solve anything, it is expensive, and harmful to ones health. This is a negative strategy.

Below are examples of both positive and negative coping strategies we all use:

MentalDenial: pretend there is no problem, ignore it and hope it will go awayAvoidance: keep busy and do not look at the problem, oversleep, watch TVBlaming: blame others for the problem, criticize others, blame selfProcrastination: put it off, never get around to it, waste timeRevenge: try to get even, be sarcastic, use threatsTantrums: yell, pout, swear, hit things, drive recklesslyWorry: fret, imagine the worstStubbornness: demand your own way, do not listen to others, do not admit you are wrong

Positive Coping Strategies

SpiritualSanctuary: finding a soothing, peaceful place, reading the Bible or other spiritual books, and books about life, Philosophy, etc.

MentalHumor: laughing and joking, looking for the “lighter” sidePlanning: setting goals, making plans and setting deadlines to meet themProblem Solving: tackling the problem, looking for solutions, brainstormingPerspective: not jumping to conclusions, looking for the good in everythingTime Management: using time wisely, getting things doneSelf Esteem: believing in self, acknowledging strengthsRealistic Expectations: knowing limits, not pushing and failing

SocialFamily and Friends: spending time with loved ones, making new friends, sharing openlyCommunity: getting involved in a sport, volunteeringAssertiveness: expressing feelings honestly, learning to say “no”Balance: balancing time at home, work and play

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Milka Clarke Stroke Brain Trauma Foundation is a charitable, not for profit non-governmental foundation, founded by the family of the late Mrs. Milka Clarke, to provide stroke prevention education, awareness, and support for stroke survivors, their families and caregivers in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica.

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